Lashing, Lacing and Lanyards

Lashing, for recreational sailing, is the art of securing two parts together using a rope or twine. The rope used is generally not as strong as the items to be connected because the strength of the join is attained from multiple turns around the two parts, typically between 3 and 4 full rounds. The rope or twine used is also specifically known as a lashing or lanyard in the marine environment.

Guardwires can be lashed to the pushpit so that they can be cut with a knife in an emergency. The lashing may have between 4 and 6 full turns so can also act as an effective purchase system for tightening the guardwire.

Lacing is a variation on lashing. Instead of connecting two objects, lacing is the art of connecting a leading edge of a sail or trampoline to another surface. Therefore, lacing can be quite long. Particular care is required to monitor abrasion on a lacing as a failure in one spot will allow the edge to loosen along it's entire length. A netting needle or shuttle is a useful tool for completing a lacing task as long as the lacing holes are big enough. It acts as a bobbin and once loaded with twine, enables all the twine to be passed easily through the holes.